Listening to Albanian Youth Activists: The Potential of Activism in Fostering Sociopolitical Efficacy and Generating Hope

Abstract

This study explores the engagement of Albanian youth in sociopolitical activism within a post- communist context. Using narrative inquiry, youth activists were interviewed to understand the factors shaping their activism and its relationship with sociopolitical efficacy. The findings counter prevailing narratives of youth apathy, highlighting their capacity for change within constrained circumstances. Participants display proactive agency and sophisticated critical reflection, attributing disengagement to systemic and historical factors rather than indifference. Borrowing a framework inspired by critical consciousness, this paper explores the potential of youth-led bottom-up activism in cultivating the skills, civic knowledge, and agency necessary for meaningful sociopolitical engagement in an unresponsive and distrusted political landscape. Historical mistrust emerges as a significant barrier, rooted in Albania's past. Motivations for engagement in activism span from strong emotions to being inspiration by peers, underlining the multifaceted nature of commitment. The study underscores youth-led activism's potency in cultivating critical awareness, amplifying sociopolitical efficacy and collective agency, and infusing a much-needed sense of hope. Addressing gaps in the literature, this research provides unique and rich insights into youth motivations and the impacts of their activism on themselves. It emphasizes the importance of listening to youth voices and considering contextual nuances in the process of understanding and researching youth (dis)engagement. Furthermore, it suggests the potential of integrating non-institutionalized youth activism into development initiatives, emphasizing youth’s role and capacity as agents of change. In essence, this paper highlights the significance of integrating youth activism and civic education into the field of international development studies. Engaging established networks and actors already cultivating youth-led activism enriches our comprehension and advancement of the transformative power wielded by young people, ultimately promoting inclusive and contextually sensitive sociopolitical change.